Bangladesh’s Economy Is Conducive To Investments: PM To Khaleej Times

"Bangladesh's economy is conducive to investments and all macro-economic indicators remain strong as we speak," she told Khaleej Times in an interview published Monday.

"One has to take interest, come and see us. We will do the rest to facilitate. From our side, we have eased the regulatory environment and made them more conducive for foreign direct investment," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said the investment climate is now much better in Bangladesh than before. "We have also ensured political stability. We are now trying to promote our attractiveness to large investor groups, including from the UAE and Middle East," she said.

She said Bangladesh's exports continued to grow double-digit to more than $30.5 billion, while remittance continued to grow, reaching its peak to $14.46 billion in 2013-14.

"As a result, our foreign exchange reserves also shot up and currently remain stable at around $22 billion - the highest in our history," she said.

The Prime Minister said the value of Bangladeshi Taka remains stable, occasionally gaining in value against the US dollar. "So any foreign investor could reap good dividends from their investment in Bangladesh," she said.

She said Bangladesh fashion apparel manufacturers have earned enormous reputation in Europe and North America for their high quality and low cost production, flexible manufacturing system and commitment in delivery.

"Apart from this, a large pool of apparel production managers and fashion masters are already being groomed along with increase of apparel production in the country," she said.

Sheikh Hasina mentioned that Bangladesh is looking to bolster its trade ties with the UAE and attract foreign investments towards new sectors such as port, energy, power, real estate, civil aviation, tourism and telecommunications.

"This move falls in line with Bangladesh's Vision 2021 that aims to transform it into a middle-income economy in time for its golden jubilee of independence," she said.

While talking about "blue economy" concept of Bangladesh, the Prime Minister said it offers an approach to sustainable development better suited to circumstances, constraints and challenges for the countries with coastal belt and islands.

"Bangladesh won landmark victories against Myanmar in 2012 and India in 2014 at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Seas. Thereby, Bangladesh gained vast areas of oceans, which may claim to be a country of blue economy," she said.

-Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)

Photo: Yeasin Kabir Joy